Please review the maps and look for any corrections. it was noted at the meeting that a section of Walnut Creek had been rezoned, when it should have remained open space. Please make comments on any topics on the website and provide any feedback.

A big concern

Code Next proposes a reduction in the required notification for public hearings for zonings and other development applications. Currently, notice is required to be mailed a minimum of 15 days prior to the public hearing. The code revisions reduce that period to 7 days. 7 days doesn’t provide enough time for an organized neighborhood response. As we all know, our response to the apartments took much longer to gather the petitions and other information. The best way to indicate your concerns about this is adding comments at codenext.civicomment.org/

Additional observations

The map is divided in to “transect zones” and “non-transect zones”, with most of the inner core located in the “transect zone”, which allows for higher density development. Our area is in the “non-transect zone”, which allows less dense projects than areas in the transect zone.

The changes for our area are minimal, and the apartments will not change. The one big change is setbacks for commercial properties, which shouldn’t impact us too much, but may impact development of two properties on the north side of Northwood, the KAHL property and the Fricke property if they were to go commercial. The compatibility standards are proposed to be reduced as well, which would allow for higher density development closer to the residential property lines.

The parking requirements for residential and commercial properties are being reduced, which could create parking problems for future developments.

The Robinson Ranch PUD is not impacted by Code Next, but the code does strengthen the connectivity requirements, pretty much guaranteeing that the two street stubs on Council Bluff will be connected to any new development to the north at some future date. If the Robinson Ranch property owners requested changes to the PUD, they would be through the new zoning code.

There are concerns about developing in floodplains in the Parmer/MoPac area and how that will affect nearby and downstream residential and commercial sites.

The Watershed Department added some code language regarding on site water detention for future projects, which should help mitigate any potential for increased flooding as property develops upstream. They also added some environmental controls that would require water quality ponds to treat the runoff for particulates and other debris, adding some protection for downstream properties.

Please add comments; they are being reviewed and the maps are being updated.

In late 2013 the City of Austin received an application for a church (St. Francis Anglican Church) to be located at 3301 Oak Creek, just west of the office building. The tract is zoned SF-6 and was previously proposed to be developed as townhomes. As of September 2014, the lot has been graded; they hope that construction will begin soon.

The church project is a proposed 10,000 SF religious use building with associated parking lot and drives, utilities, landscaping and water quality/detention improvements. The Association President spoke to Michael Simmons-Smith, Case Manager with the City, and he informed her that churches (religious assembly) can be included in any zoning category, including SF-6, so this will not require a rezoning case.

If the site plan meets city regulations, they will issue a permit and there is no rezoning or hearing necessary. If the project needs any kind of variance, it could trigger a hearing. As it stands right now, the project can be approved without adjacent neighbor or neighborhood input. The project is proposed to have driveway access on Oak Creek.

Notices are being mailed to nearby property owners, and our neighborhood association received a notice today (Oct. 17, 2013). As we learn of any significant developments, we will post updates to this web site, the Northwood Facebook page and our Nextdoor site.